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Carpenter Ants

Description:

Carpenter ants are large (.25 to 1 in/0.63 to 2.5 cm) ants indigenous to many parts of the world. They prefer dead, damp wood in which to build nests. They do not eat it, however, unlike termites. Sometimes carpenter ants will hollow out sections of trees. The most likely species to be infesting a house in the United States is the black carpenter ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus). However, there are over a thousand other species in the genus Camponotus.

Carpenter ant species reside both outdoors and indoors in moist, decaying or hollow wood. They cut “galleries” into the wood grain to provide passageways for movement from section to section of the nest. Certain parts of a house, such as around and under windows, roof eaves, decks and porches, are more likely to be infested by Carpenter Ants because these areas are most vulnerable to moisture.

Damage/Illness caused by Carpenter Ants:

Carpenter ants can damage wood used in the construction of buildings. They can leave behind a sawdust-like material called frass that provides clues to their nesting location. Carpenter ant galleries are smooth and very different from termite-damaged areas, which have mud packed into the hollowed-out areas.

Method of removal:

Treatment first starts with a thourough inspection inside and out of the home.

This includes looking for clues such as areas where moisture is a problem and/or location of small piles of coarse sawdust or wood shavings are found.

Home inspection will also provide a holistic analysis and provide reccomendations for changes that will help prevent future carpenter ant infestations.

If the carpenter ant colony is found to be in the home, our Complete Home Protection involves a targeted non-invasive treatment directly into the colony location, combined with application of gel bait along ant trails as well as a an exterior treatment.

If there is no carpenter ant colony inside, treatment would involve baiting of the critical areas for moisture, kitchens and bathrooms, combined with an exterior treatment.

It should be noted that exterior carpenter ant treatments are necessary as all carpenter ant problems start from the outside.

Antsurance:

This is an exterior treatment done in May/June which can protect and prevent ant infestation. This is normally preformed a year after our Complete Home Protection has taken place and can become part of a yearly maintenance program that will guarantee protection from a carpenter ant infestation.